You can also try using gradient maps instead of an overlay layer, that way your shadows won’t get desaturated (if you select the right colors for the gradient).
I appreciate that you are showing the complete process and not speeding things up. I also appreciate how you are not using fancy brushes. I struggle a lot with color choices so I also appreciate your guidance in making those informed decisions. I was thinking you might have done motion blur for the water but smudge tool has more control.
Hey thanks. Motion blur is a tool a lot of concept artists use for water/reflections. The reason they use it is because it is super fast. It's just that it always looks the same and has little personality.
thank you so much for these tutorials! it feels like I'm back in school but this time I actually pay attention! do you have any advice on drawing exercises or what to focus on for a beginner?
This experience of standing behind your chair just observing the process step by step, every detail, following the process in its entirety without time acceleration was incredible and absurdly enlightening. I have no words to thank you for the incredible experience that is boosting my learning. Man, God bless you beyond what you can handle my friend. Thank you very much. God forgive me if any lyrics I write end up wrong, I don't know, I hope Google translate is doing everything right. I'm from Brazil and I don't speak English. hugs. :D